Fallen Marine’s Mom Gets Priceless Gift 9 Years After Son’s Death

Patsy Maciel received her son’s burial flag when the marine was killed in a helicopter crash during his second tour in Iraq. She believed that it was the last piece of her son which she had to hold onto until she was contacted by Lanie Mae and Wally Brown.

The Browns had purchased a flag at a local flea market for $5 which had writing all over it. After a little research, they discovered that the flag was a tribute given to Maciel’s son, Fred, from his platoon after his death. Right away, the Browns knew what they had to do. They were able to connect with Maciel through Facebook and tell the grieving mother of the flag which they had in their possession.

This in and of itself would have been an amazing gift for Maciel, but the Browns decided to take it one step further. They arranged to fly to Maciel to give her the flag personally and meet the woman who had raised a brave U.S. Marine. Maciel is overjoyed to have the flag containing personal messages to her son from his fellow comrades. It’s a piece of her fallen baby which she never knew existed.